The Sixties Season 1 Episode 2
The Sixties
Season 1

Ep 2. The World on the Brink (1960 - 1963)

  • TVPG
  • June 5, 2014
  • 42 min
  • 7.8  (134)

In The Sixties season 1 episode 2, titled The World on the Brink (1960-1963), viewers are taken back to a time of great political and social upheaval around the world. The episode explores some of the most significant events of those years and the ways in which they shaped the rest of the decade.

One of the main themes of the episode is the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, which was at its height during this time period. Viewers are given a brief overview of the origins of the conflict and the ways in which it affected countries around the world. The episode focuses in particular on the Cuban Missile Crisis, one of the most tense and dangerous moments of the Cold War. Through archival footage, interviews with prominent figures of the time, and expert analysis, viewers learn about the brinkmanship that nearly led to nuclear war and the dramatic negotiations that ultimately prevented it.

The episode also touches on the civil rights movement in the United States, which began to gain momentum during these years. Viewers are introduced to some of the key figures of the movement, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, and learn about their struggles against segregation and discrimination. The episode explores some of the successes and failures of the movement during this period, including the desegregation of schools and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Another important topic covered in the episode is the rise of the youth culture and counterculture in the United States and abroad. Viewers are shown how young people around the world were pushing back against the status quo and seeking new forms of expression and identity. The episode explores the impact of music, fashion, and social movements such as the Beat Generation on this generation, as well as the beginnings of the hippie movement and the emerging drug culture.

Finally, the episode touches on the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, which was also at its height during these years. Viewers are given an overview of the achievements and setbacks of the two countries in their efforts to explore space, including the historic flight of Yuri Gagarin and the tragic deaths of the Apollo 1 astronauts. The episode ends on a hopeful note, as viewers see the beginnings of international cooperation in space exploration with the first joint mission between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Overall, The Sixties season 1 episode 2 provides a compelling overview of a pivotal time in world history. From the brink of nuclear war to the beginnings of a new cultural era, this episode captures the complexity and significance of the years 1960-1963 and their lasting impact on the decades to come.

Description
Watch The Sixties - The World on the Brink (1960 - 1963) (s1 e2) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
The Sixties, Season 1 Episode 2, is available to watch and stream on CNN. You can also buy, rent The Sixties on demand at Max, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu online.
  • First Aired
    June 5, 2014
  • Content Rating
    TVPG
  • Runtime
    42 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (134)